Stressed spelled backwards is...DESSERTS?
Yes, desserts can help with stress! Not really. It can seem like it though when we get those dopamine hits which get activated by eating those sugary desserts. Dopamine hitting our brain is telling us that it was a positive experience. It reinforces the behavior, making it more likely for us to repeat these kind of actions. This can lead to addiction. We then eat more of these foods to get that same rewarding feeling over and over. Sugar is super addicting and creates a vicious cycle of wanting more and more of these foods. Depending on your health situation, you need to determine if you should stay completely away from sugary foods or at least make sure they don’t become addicting. You don’t want food to control you.
Personally desserts were a comfort food for me and although I still may have treats, they are healthier ones and I try make sure that I’m in control of when I have them. Once I start seeing that I am losing control, then I know I need to fast from them to break that addiction.
I’ve learned through the years that turning to food, in this case desserts, are a temporary solution to a deeper problem.
The more that I would turn to desserts, my problems would multiply because I’d gain extra weight, my immune system would shut down for a period of time (sugar does that), my blood sugar would spike and inflammation would ravage my body.
The long term results of using dessert to calm my stress proved to eventually give me even MORE stress because my health and weight were suffering as a result.
What is the answer? Glad you asked.
First, find out what is the ROOT CAUSE of your stress. Why are you turning to sweets to make you feel better?
If is something beyond your control like traffic, bad weather, the death of a loved one, or the recent Plandemic that hit our world in the last couple of years, then you know you can’t really control those things (although prayer can definitely help in ANY situation).
Figure out what YOUR personal stressors are. There are things you can’t do anything about, so that’s where you trust God to help you in that circumstance.
On the other hand, see if any of those stressors are what you CAN control and then do something about them.
Let’s chat about some examples of negative stressors that you CAN do something about:
1. Running late for an appt? Set out your clothes the night before. Make sure your car has gasoline, pack your “healthy” lunch the day before, check traffic, weather, road conditions and leave earlier if needed.
2. Negativity in your environment? Be careful who you hang out with. If they are always complaining, gossiping and critical, reduce the time you spend with them or find new friends. Remember, you become like those you hang out with. Also, turn off the news! I used to watch the bad news all the time until I realized how depressed I was getting.
3. Can’t Find Things? Start organizing your closet, your papers, your cupboards, your life. If you need help, there are professionals out there who can help you get organized.
I recently organized my herbs and supplements by category because I had them UNorganized in a few different places. I also typed up an inventory sheet so all I have to do is pull up my sheet on Google Drive to see if I have a particular herb. Easy Peasy. When I get in a new shipment of herbs or finish a bottle, I just make sure I keep that inventory sheet updated. It has been so nice to have implemented this change.
4. People stressing you? I agree, some people are more challenging to be around than others. Bless them anyway. I’m learning that if I look a little deeper into why they act the way they do then it can help with having compassion rise to the forefront instead of judgement and frustration. Still, sometimes it might be good to place distance and boundaries where needed. Hang around godly, optimistic people who will encourage you to see bright side of things rather than the negative.
A FEW MORE TIPS:
I'm training my mind to look at the many blessings I have rather than the problems that come my way. I’m learning to look at problems as an opportunity for growth. It's not always easy for me as my mind tries to focus on what is not going "right". Most of my life I seemed to be around negative people. I’m determined to renew my thinking patterns to line up with God’s Word. I’m always a work in progress.
And things WILL work out! God promises that for us as His children.
In summary, let me encourage you to find out what your stressors are. If it's something you can do something about (as mentioned above) then do what needs to be done and embrace the learning process. If not, give it to the Lord who loves you in a HUGE and unconditional way and watch Him turn things around on your behalf.
Remember, desserts or any food or even drinks, they are not your solution. Although you may allow yourself to have a treat from time to time, check yourself and make sure you’re not running to food or anything else to comfort you instead of to your Heavenly Father.
He loves you so much and He wants you to run to Him and seek His comfort and wisdom.
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." I Peter 5:7 (This is great advice.)
What are some other proactive and healthy ways you deal with stress in your life? Please share. We all have the need to improve in this area and you might just help someone with your idea!
Be blessed, not stressed! :)
